Updated for 2025 • SelfEmployedDocs

How to Show Proof of Income Without Tax Returns

Sometimes you need to prove your income, but you don’t have tax returns available. Maybe you filed an extension, haven’t filed yet, lost your documents, or simply don’t want to share your entire tax history with a landlord or lender.

Here’s the good news:

You can absolutely prove your income without tax returns — and there are several accepted ways to do it.

Below is every legitimate method you can use in 2025.

Why you may not have tax returns available

This is extremely common. People in these situations often need alternatives:

You’re self-employed or paid in cash
You received multiple 1099s
You recently changed income levels
You filed an extension
You weren’t required to file
You misplaced your return
You simply don’t want to share private IRS details

Totally normal — and not a problem.

The best alternatives to tax returns for proving income

If someone asks for tax returns, these documents also work:

Self-employed pay stubs (fastest)
Bank statements
1099 forms
Signed income letter
Invoices or transaction history

You only need one or two of these in most cases.

1. Self-employed pay stubs (fastest, cleanest, most accepted)

If you don’t want to provide tax returns, pay stubs are the next best thing — and in many cases, they’re all a company needs.

They work because:

they look familiar
they clearly show income by period
they organize your actual earnings
they don’t reveal sensitive IRS info

Real talk: For most apartments, lenders, and assistance programs, a pay stub is enough to move forward — no tax return needed.

Need proof of income without sharing tax documents?

Create a clean, professional self-employed pay stub in minutes.

Generate My Pay Stub →

2. Bank statements

Your direct deposits, transfers, or cash deposits show your monthly earnings. This is one of the most accepted forms of income verification.

Pro tip: highlight your income deposits — it makes review easier.

3. 1099 forms

For freelancers, gig workers, and contractors, 1099-NEC or 1099-K forms are considered strong proof.

You don’t need tax returns if you have official 1099s showing your income.

4. Signed income letter

A simple letter stating your earnings works for:

landlords
insurance
schools
childcare programs
assistance programs

Template here:
Self-Employed Income Letter Template →

5. Invoices, transaction logs, or job history

If you do services, your invoice or job log history helps establish consistent income.

What if you don’t have ANY of these documents?

Create a pay stub using your actual weekly or monthly income.

A clean self-employed pay stub is the fastest way to document your real income today.

Need income proof right now?

Create a professional pay stub instantly — perfect for rentals, loans, and verifications.

Create My Pay Stub →

FAQ: Proving Income Without Tax Returns

Do lenders accept pay stubs instead of tax returns?

Yes — especially if your income is consistent and the stub is clear.

What if my income changes month-to-month?

Use your average monthly income. It’s common for self-employed workers.

Can I use bank deposits instead?

Absolutely. Bank statements are widely accepted as proof of income.

Is creating my own pay stub legal?

Yes — as long as the earnings are real and accurately reported.

Need more help? Visit the homepage, learn more on the About Us page, or contact us through the Contact Page.